Identification system for objects or products on a display

Abstract

There is disclosed an identification system which comprises electromagnetic identification means to be connected to objects, such as products, files, keys, file documents, suspension files and the like, and communication means provided with antennas for communication with the identification means. The system further comprises display means for the objects, which form the antennas, via which regular communication with the identification means takes place. Advantageously, the antennas perform a dual function as transmitters of electromagnetic radiation and as support or suspension elements for the objects, without this being realised at the expense of the advantages of the known identification systems.

1 . An identification system comprising:
 a) electromagnetic identification means to be connected to objects, such as products, files, keys, commodities, file documents, suspension files or the like;   b) communication means provided with antennas for communication with the identification means; and   c) display means for the objects,   characterised in that said display means are the antennas.   
     
     
         2 . An identification system according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the antennas are configured as support or suspension elements for the objects. 
     
     
         3 . An identification system according to  claim 1  or  2 , characterised in that the objects are included in an envelope or package configured for coupling with the antennas. 
     
     
         4 . An identification system according to  claim 3 , characterised in that the object, the envelope and/or the package is provided with an opening which is configured for insertion of the antennas provided with hooks therein. 
     
     
         5 . An identification system according to  claim 4 , characterised in that said hooks are single or multiple folded antennas, in particular open or folded dipole antennas. 
     
     
         6 . An identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 5 , characterised in that said antennas are elongate antennas to be electrically connected to the communication means at at least one end. 
     
     
         7 . An identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 6 , characterised in that the antennas have possibly hooked ends, which are designed for insertion into a display, a board, a display wall or the like for the objects. 
     
     
         8 . An identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 7 , characterised in that the length by which the antenna projects from the display on the side showing the objects is related to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation by means of which the communication takes place. 
     
     
         9 . An identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 8 , characterised in that the communication means comprise at least one multiplexer, which is coupled to the identification means on the available objects through the air via the display means configured as antennas. 
     
     
         10 . An identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 9 , characterised in that said electromagnetic identification means are labels or tags to be connected to the objects. 
     
     
         11 . Use of the identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 10  in a stocktaking, tracking, stock management or management system for objects, such as products, keys, articles, files or the like, for example in a store or a warehouse, but also files, archives, file documents, (suspension) files or the like. 
     
     
         12 . An article display, board or display wall provided with display means, preferably hooks, functioning as antennas in an identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 10 . 
     
     
         13 . A method wherein the presence of objects provided with identification means on a display and the removal of said objects therefrom is detected by an identification system according to any one of  claims 1 - 10 , which further comprises display means in the form of antennas, by means of which the objects are connected to the display, and communication means for regular communication with the identification means on the objects, which may or may not be present on the display. 
     
     
         14 . A computer system provided with software designed for maintaining a database containing data regarding objects, which data are at least partially kept up to date by making use of electromagnetic signals being communicated to labels or tags on the objects via the display means in the form of antennas, said data comprising at least data that unequivocally identify individual objects or groups of objects. 
     
     
         15 . Software for the computer system according to  claim 14 , which software is designed for maintaining a database containing data regarding objects, which data are at least partially kept up to date by making use of electromagnetic signals being communicated to labels or tags on the objects via antennas functioning as display means, said data comprising at least data that unequivocally identify individual objects or groups of objects.